MGWA Convention Marks 75 Years
Per usual, the Michigan Ground Water Association put on another good show.
The Michigan Groundwater Association saw quite the show this year, at its 75th annual convention held in Grand Rapids, Mich., March 31 - April 1, 2003. With a total of 711 in attendance, the MGWA may boast a great success: 403 contractors and 248 manufacturers, suppliers and exhibitors attended the show. The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel created a lovely setting, and MGWA marked its diamond anniversary with an array of seminars, meetings and social events.
Participants had the opportunity to take in seminars on geologic mapping, fighting unnecessary water main projects and Water Systems Council activities. Dave Hanson, Design Water Technologies, also was on hand to present his NGWA-sponsored McEllhiney lecture — “The Year of the Professional.” The National Ground Water Association’s certification exam was administered, and with the exhibition hall full of displays, exhibitors were kept busy as the large number of convention-goers made their rounds. Many turned out for the social hour and annual “Drillers’ Celebration” dinner Monday evening, where old friends were met and new acquaintances made.
To his surprise — but no one else’s — Bryan Brewer, Muskegon, Mich., took home the impressive “Driller of the Year” award. Jack Belt of Allenton, Mich., was the recipient of the Past President’s award, and Charles Washburn of Jackson, Mich., a MGWA member for more than 45 years, received lifetime honorary membership to the association.
MGWA election results were announced. All officials were re-elected to another term, which begins in October and runs through October 2004.
About the convention, executive director John Schmidt says, “Overall, we definitely agreed it was successful.” He acknowledges all the hard work that goes into creating a good show and shares that it’s sad to drive down the ramp the last time after the show ends and realize it’s over — until next year.
The Michigan Groundwater Association saw quite the show this year, at its 75th annual convention held in Grand Rapids, Mich., March 31 - April 1, 2003. With a total of 711 in attendance, the MGWA may boast a great success: 403 contractors and 248 manufacturers, suppliers and exhibitors attended the show. The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel created a lovely setting, and MGWA marked its diamond anniversary with an array of seminars, meetings and social events.
At his “Geologic Mapping for Ground Water Issues,” Kevin Kincare, a geologist with the Michigan Geological Survey, stresses that resources need to be better directed so they’re put to optimum use.
Bryan Brewer (Central Wells & Pumps, Muskegon, Mich.) is presented with the association’s “Driller of the Year” award by Norman Buer (Buer Water Well Drilling, Alto, Mich.).
Mike Matteson (Mattson & Sons Well Drilling, Wolverine, Mich.) hands the past president’s plaque to Jack Belt (W.S. Belts & Sons Inc., Allenton, Mich.).
President: Michael Mattson — Mattson & Sons Well Drilling, Wolverine, Mich.
1st Vice-president: Bryan Brewer — Central Wells & Pumps, Muskegon, Mich.
2nd Vice-president: Sanders Slevatz — Earl Sanders & Son, Lawton, Mich.
Secretary: Miles Foune — Foune Well Drilling, Bloomingdale, Mich.
Treasurer: Gerald Hart — Hart Well Drilling, Mason, Mich.
Mike Dewey of Target Sales Inc., Grand Rapids, Mich., accepts a National Driller advertising certificate from MGWA executive director John Schmitt.
Without a doubt, everyone will be looking forward to next year’s MGWA Convention, which takes place March 15-16, 2004, in Lansing, Mich. The 2005 convention also will be held in Lansing — March 14-15, 2005; in 2006, the convention returns to Grand Rapids, Mich.
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